BeCAT × EN TEA
Potential research into Itoshima and creating a tea base - 1st period

The BeCAT PROGRAM is offering a first-term design studio course for master's students at Kyushu University in 2023.

|Project Overview|
In this studio, we will collaborate with Mr. Suketoshi Maruwaka, the representative of EN TEA, who is working to spread Japanese tea culture on the world stage, to consider establishing a tea base in Itoshima. This is a project with the aim of actually realizing it in Itoshima in the near future.

In the first quarter, we will conduct research into Itoshima's potential based on the talk session and brainstorming held in the first half.
In the second quarter, we will propose a sustainable space that incorporates recycling and community, as well as a tea base that takes advantage of its environmental benefits.
Finally, we will propose basic designs in a competition format and hold a selection meeting.

Potential research results report + Tea lecture by Mr. Maruwaka

On June 6th, we presented the results of our potential research to Maruwaka at the shared office Onitomo as the culmination of the first quarter.
The potential research involved digital research using environmental simulations to investigate the amount of sunlight, precipitation, soil quality, transportation, and topography based on the climatic conditions necessary for tea, and creating a potential map for the entirety of Itoshima. This was followed over a two-month period by physical research, in which participants actually visited the locations and physically searched for locations based on the scenery, comfort, and feel of the place.
Mr. Maruwaka also gave a lecture.

Afterwards, we toured the areas of the Itoshima Peninsula that each group had proposed with Mr. Maruwaka.
We were able to share the atmosphere of Itoshima from the sea, mountains, and city.
Finally, we enjoyed EN TEA tea and Japanese sweets from Suzukake at a teahouse inside Itoshima.

Schedule

1st period: October 2023, 4 - November 18, 6

Based on a talk session and brainstorming session between faculty and students, we conducted research into Itoshima's potential.

4/18 Studio Guidance
4/25, 5/2, 16 Talk session + brainstorming session
5/9, 23, 30, 6/6, 13 Research Sketches
6/18 Lecture by Maruwaka-san + 1st quarter final review session
*Students studying tea at the Faculty of Agriculture also assisted in the research sketches.

2nd period: December 2023th to December 6th, 18 (planned)

In addition to being a tea hub that takes advantage of its environmental benefits, we also propose a sustainable space that incorporates circulation and community.